Elkhart, Indiana- The United States Green Building Council has awarded LEED Gold Certification to the AMBS Library. A June 4 celebration provided an opportunity for the seminary community to mark the final facet of the project which began with planning in 2004. Construction was completed in 2007, so the library could be ready to welcome students at the start of the 2007–2008 school year.

Honored in the event were librarian Eileen Saner, who had the initial vision to make the building a green building; and The Troyer Group of Mishawaka, Ind., the architectural firm; and DJ Construction of Goshen, the general contractor. Other key participants in the project were Primera Engineers of Chicago, and Marcus Sheffer of 7group, who led the green building design process.

Some of the key features included in the building are:

• A geothermal ground-source heating and cooling system.
• Triple-pane windows and efficient insulation reduce energy needed for heating and cooling.
• Carefully designed windows, including north-facing clerestories use daylight effectively and reduce use of interior lighting.
• Daylight sensors dim electric lights according to how much daylight is available.
• Building materials come from the region rather than being transported long distances. Cherry trees, already harvested from a nearby area, were used for 7,041 board feet of trim and 500 square yards of paneling.
• Rain gardens next to the building retain water runoff from the roof rather than sending it through city storm drains.
• Restored prairie grasses near the building minimize time and fuel spent on mowing.
• Paints, adhesives and fabrics that do not emit fumes keep the interior atmosphere healthy.

More information: www.ambs.edu/news-and-publications/events-and-news/certification